U.S. patent application number 12/826056 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-06 for high precision hand-held engineering survey/position data collector.
Invention is credited to Robert Bruce Carlson.
Application Number | 20110000095 12/826056 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43411435 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110000095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlson; Robert Bruce |
January 6, 2011 |
High Precision Hand-held Engineering Survey/Position Data
Collector
Abstract
A self-contained, hand-held, wireless engineering survey data
collection system and method includes a survey data collector
ruggedized to MIL-STD-810F, having a housing with a hand-held form
factor, and a processor, memory module, data storage, and power
source. A user interface is supported by the housing and
communicably coupled to the processor. A survey module configures
the processor, memory module, data storage, and user interface to
capture and store engineering survey data. Communications ports
enable communication with peripheral devices. A survey-grade GPS
module configured for positioning accuracy within a margin of error
of 3 cm, is supported by the housing and communicably couplable to
the processor. A GPS antenna port is supported by the housing and
communicably couplable to the GPS module. The survey data collector
is thus configured to capture engineering survey data including
position data generated by the GPS module.
Inventors: |
Carlson; Robert Bruce;
(Maysville, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard L. Sampson;SAMPSON & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
50 Congress Street
Boston
MA
02109
US
|
Family ID: |
43411435 |
Appl. No.: |
12/826056 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61222544 |
Jul 2, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
33/275R ;
29/592.1; 342/357.75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49002 20150115;
G06F 1/1684 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101; G01C 15/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
33/275.R ;
342/357.75; 29/592.1 |
International
Class: |
G01C 15/00 20060101
G01C015/00; G01S 19/35 20100101 G01S019/35; H05K 13/00 20060101
H05K013/00 |
Claims
1. A self-contained, hand-held, wireless engineering survey data
collection system, comprising: a survey data collector including: a
housing having a hand-held form factor; a processor, memory module,
data storage, and power source disposed within the housing; a user
interface including input and output devices supported by the
housing and communicably coupled to the processor; a survey module
including computer readable instructions disposed in a
non-transitory computer readable medium, for configuring the
processor, memory module, data storage, and user interface to
capture and store engineering survey data; a plurality of
communications ports configured for communicating with peripheral
devices; the survey data collector being ruggedized to
MIL-STD-810F; a survey-grade GPS module supported by the housing
and communicably couplable to the processor, the GPS module
configured for positioning accuracy within a margin of error of 3
cm; a GPS antenna port supported by the housing and communicably
couplable to the GPS module; wherein the survey data collector is
configured to capture engineering survey data including position
data generated by the GPS module.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the survey data collector is
ruggedized to MIL-STD-810F for one or more environmental conditions
selected from the group of Contamination by Fluids, Shock,
Humidity, Solar Radiation, High Temperature, Low Temperature, and
combinations thereof.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing is water and dust
resistant to Nema IP67 standards.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the GPS module comprises a
modular expansion pack configured for being selectively fastened to
and removed from the housing.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the modular expansion pack
comprises a dual frequency GPS receiver.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the modular expansion pack
comprises a cellular transceiver.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the modular expansion pack
comprises a spread spectrum audio transceiver.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of communications
ports include wireless communications ports.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the wireless communications ports
are selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth and WiFi
(802.11x) enabled ports.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises an
input device configured for operation with a gloved hand.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the user interface comprises a
numeric keypad and an alphabetic keypad.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the numeric and alphanumeric
keypads are mutually distinct.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the user interface comprises a
navigation pad and a touchscreen.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the numeric and
alphabetic keypads is separate from the touchscreen.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the numeric keypad, the
alphabetic keypad, and the navigation pad are each configured for
operation with a gloved hand.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises a tripod
hook.
17. A method of fabricating a self-contained, hand-held, wireless
engineering survey data collection system, comprising: (a)
providing a survey data collector including: a housing having a
hand-held form factor; a processor, memory module, data storage,
and power source disposed within the housing; a user interface
including input and output devices supported by the housing and
communicably coupled to the processor; a survey module including
computer readable instructions disposed in a non-transitory
computer readable medium, for configuring the processor, memory
module, data storage, and user interface to capture and store
engineering survey data; a plurality of communications ports
configured for communicating with peripheral devices; the survey
data collector being ruggedized to MIL-STD-810F; (b) supporting a
survey-grade GPS module with the housing and configuring the GPS
module to be communicably couplable to the processor, the GPS
module being configured for positioning accuracy within a margin of
error of 3 cm; and (c) supporting a GPS antenna port with the
housing and configuring the GPS antenna port to be communicably
couplable to the GPS module; wherein the survey data collector is
configured to capture engineering survey data including position
data generated by the GPS module.
18. The method of claim 17, comprising ruggedizing the survey data
collector to MIL-STD-810F for one or more environmental conditions
selected from the group of Contamination by Fluids, Shock,
Humidity, Solar Radiation, High Temperature, Low Temperature, and
combinations thereof.
19. The method of claim 17, comprising configuring the housing for
water and dust resistance to Nema IP67 standards.
20. The method of claim 17, comprising configuring the GPS module
as a modular expansion pack selectively fastenable and removable
from the housing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/222,544, entitled High-Precision GPS
Expansion Pack for Handheld Computer, filed on Jul. 2, 2009, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to engineering surveying and data
collection, and more particularly to a ruggedized hand held data
collector capable of providing high precision, survey-grade GPS
positioning, e.g., with accuracy to within 3 centimeters, while
providing various alternate means of wireless communication.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Throughout this application, various publications, patents
and published patent applications are referred to by an identifying
citation. The disclosures of the publications, patents and
published patent applications referenced in this application are
hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.
[0006] High precision GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) receivers
are commonly used in the surveying and construction industries.
However, devices using these high precision GPS receivers have
tended to be cumbersome and not well integrated for these
industries. For example, users in these industries were required to
carry a GPS receiver box in a backpack and move about a
survey/construction site with a GPS antenna on a pole, and a data
collector, with cables connecting the various components. Later,
equipment manufacturers began to place the GPS receiver box on the
pole, often mounted halfway up the pole below the antenna,
sometimes integrated with the antenna. This was generally
considered to be an improvement, but the pole tended to be
top-heavy. Moreover, while hand-held GPS devices are available,
such devices generally only provide low accuracy, e.g., 3-6 foot
accuracy in real-time, while accuracy within about 3 cm or less is
desired for surveying/construction applications. These conventional
low precision devices also tend to be single purpose devices and/or
consumer grade devices which are generally unsuitable for use in an
engineering surveying environment where they are expected to be
subjected to generally rough handling and potentially severe
environmental conditions.
[0007] Users must typically carry additional devices, such as
two-way radios, cell phones, and internet connectable devices for
communication and data transfer. The need for multiple devices is
often exacerbated by the different competing formats/protocols that
are in use. For example, for positioning, both the GPS (Global
Positioning Satellite) system operated by the U.S., and the GLONASS
(Global Navigation Satellite System) operated by Russia, may be
used, which typically requires mutually distinct receivers.
Similarly, conventional point to point two-way radio may be needed
for voice communication in areas lacking cellular coverage, while
cellular communication may be used in other locales. Data transfer
may require yet additional formats/protocols, including
802.11.times. and/or cellular/3G, etc., depending on the installed
base of legacy equipment currently in use by a particular
user/organization.
[0008] Thus, a need exists for a single device capable of
addressing one or more of the aforementioned unresolved issues.
SUMMARY
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, a self-contained, hand-held,
wireless engineering survey data collection system includes a
survey data collector having a housing with a hand-held form
factor, and a processor, memory module, data storage, and power
source disposed within the housing. A user interface including
input and output devices is supported by the housing and
communicably coupled to the processor. A survey module including
computer readable instructions disposed in a non-transitory
computer readable medium, configures the processor, memory module,
data storage, and user interface to capture and store engineering
survey data. A plurality of communications ports are configured for
communicating with peripheral devices. The survey data collector is
ruggedized to MIL-STD-810F. In addition, a survey-grade GPS module
configured for positioning accuracy within a margin of error of 3
cm, is supported by the housing and communicably couplable to the
processor. A GPS antenna port is supported by the housing and
communicably couplable to the GPS module. The survey data collector
is thus configured to capture engineering survey data including
position data generated by the GPS module.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a method of fabricating
a self-contained, hand-held, wireless engineering survey data
collection system, includes providing a survey data collector
having a housing with a hand-held form factor; a processor, memory
module, data storage, and power source disposed within the housing;
and a user interface including input and output devices supported
by the housing and communicably coupled to the processor. A survey
module including computer readable instructions is disposed in a
non-transitory computer readable medium, for configuring the
processor, memory module, data storage, and user interface to
capture and store engineering survey data. A plurality of
communications ports are configured for communicating with
peripheral devices, and the survey data collector is ruggedized to
MIL-STD-810F. A survey-grade GPS module configured for positioning
accuracy within a margin of error of 3 cm is supported with the
housing and is configured to be communicably couplable to the
processor. A GPS antenna port is supported with the housing and
configured to be communicably couplable to the GPS module. The
survey data collector is thus configured to capture engineering
survey data including position data generated by the GPS
module.
[0011] The features and advantages described herein are not
all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and
advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it
should be noted that the language used in the specification has
been principally selected for readability and instructional
purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject
matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and
not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in
which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system
of the present invention in a representative application;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system
of FIG. 1A, with various optional and/or internal components shown
schematically in phantom;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an
expansion module usable with the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, of another
alternate embodiment of an expansion module usable with the system
of FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a computer
system usable in various embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized. It is also to be understood that structural,
procedural and system changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition,
well-known structures, circuits and techniques have not been shown
in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this
description. The following detailed description is, therefore, not
to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present
invention is defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
Terminology
[0020] Where used in this disclosure, the term "computer" is meant
to encompass a workstation, personal computer, personal digital
assistant (PDA), wireless telephone, or any other suitable
computing device including a processor, a computer readable medium
upon which computer readable program code (including instructions
and/or data) may be disposed, and a user interface. Terms such as
"component," "module", "control components/devices," and the like
are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not
limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an
object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a
server and the server (or control related devices) can be
components. One or more components may reside within a process
and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one
computer and/or distributed between two or more computers or
control devices. The terms "real-time" and "on-demand" refer to
sensing and responding to external events nearly simultaneously
(e.g., within milliseconds or microseconds) with their occurrence,
or without intentional delay, given the processing limitations of
the system and the time required to accurately respond to the
inputs. The term GPS or Global Positioning Satellite, is used for
convenience to refer to substantially any system capable of
determining three-dimensional geographical position coordinates
with survey-grade precision (to within 3 cm or less) including the
aforementioned GLONASS system or any other system currently
existing or developed in the future, capable of providing such high
precision positioning, with our without orbiting satellites. For
example, it is envisioned that such a future system may include a
cellular or WiFi based system capable of determining position based
on triangulation, or trilateration, etc., from multiple cell towers
or WiFi sites, etc.
Programming Languages
[0021] The systems and methods embodying the present invention can
be programmed in any suitable language and technology, such as, but
not limited to: C++; Visual Basic; Java; VBScript; Jscript;
BCMAscript; DHTM1; XML and CGI. Alternative versions may be
developed using other programming languages including, Hypertext
Markup Language (HTML), Active ServerPages (ASP) and Javascript.
Any suitable database technology can be employed, such as, but not
limited to, Microsoft SQL Server or IBM AS 400.
[0022] Embodiments of the present invention include a wireless
engineering survey data collection system in the form of a
ruggedized handheld computer configured for engineering survey data
collection, wireless connectivity via multiple alternative
formats/protocols, and high precision, survey-grade positioning
data capture via multiple formats/protocols. These embodiments are
thus configured for use with Real Time (RTK) GPS (or GLONASS) and
Total Stations with in-field coordinate geometry.
[0023] Turning to FIG. 1A, a data collection system 100 of the
present invention is provided with multiple channels of
communication, including receipt of signals from a series of
navigation satellites 10, 12, 14, etc., and cellular communication
to a Total Station or other third party 16 via a network such as a
cellular network and/or internet 20. System 100 may also
communicate directly with third party 16 via a point-to-point
(e.g., radio) communication as shown at 22.
[0024] Turning to FIG. 1B, an exemplary engineering survey data
collection system 100 is shown. This system 100 includes a survey
data collector 102 in the form of a housing 104 having a hand-held
form factor. A processor 106, memory module 108, data
storage/static memory 110, and power source (e.g., rechargeable
battery or supercapacitor) 112, all shown schematically in phantom,
are disposed within the housing 104.
[0025] The data collector 102 also includes a user interface
including input and output devices supported by the housing and
communicably coupled to the processor 106. In particular
embodiments, the user interface includes a screen 114, which may
take the form of a touchscreen configured for enabling both input
and output. Moreover, in particular embodiments the user interface
is configured for operation with a gloved hand. In this regard, the
screen 114 may take the form of a conventional resistive
touchscreen which is not dependent on the capacitance provided by
an ungloved finger. Optionally, the user interface may include a
voice activation module 116 (shown schematically in phantom), which
in combination with an integral speaker and microphone (not shown),
is capable of receiving user input in the form of voice commands,
and/or providing audible output. The voice activation module may
operate independently of, or in combination with, screen 114.
[0026] As also shown, in particular embodiments, the user interface
may include a numeric keypad 120 and/or an alphabetic keypad 122.
As shown, keypads 120 and 122 may be distinct from one another,
such as to facilitate operation with a gloved hand. In addition, or
as an alternative, keypads 120 and 122 may be displayed on demand
by the screen 114. The user interface may include any number of
additional optional elements such as a navigation pad 124 and/or
dedicated function keys 126.
[0027] Although not required, in particular embodiments, the
numeric keypad 120, the alphabetic keypad 122, and the screen 114
are all separate from one another as shown. Moreover, as mentioned
above, the keypads 120, 122, and the navigation pad 124 may all be
configured, e.g., sized, shaped and sufficiently spaced from one
another as shown, for operation with a gloved hand.
[0028] A survey module 130, e.g., in the form of computer readable
instructions disposed in a non-transitory computer readable medium
such as static memory 110, is provided for configuring the
processor 106, memory module 108, data storage 110, and user
interface to capture and store engineering survey data. In a
representative embodiment, survey module 130 (shown schematically
in phantom) may include the Carlson SurvCE GPS software application
available from Carlson Software, Inc., (Maysville, KY) the Assignee
of the present application.
[0029] As a further option, one or more communication ports 132,
also shown schematically in phantom, may be provided for enabling
the data collector 102 to communicate with peripheral devices. For
example, ports 132 may take the form of one or more conventional
wireless modules/processors configured for Bluetooth and/or WiFi
(802.11x) communication.
[0030] In the various embodiments described hereinabove, including
any of the optional variations thereof, the housing 104 may be
water and dust resistant to Nema (National Association of
Electrical Manufacturers) IP67 standards, while the entire data
collector 102, including housing 104, may be ruggedized to meet one
or more of the test methods of United States Military Standard
MIL-STD-810F (U.S. Department of Defense Test Method Standard for
Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests),
e.g., pertaining to Contamination by Fluids, Shock, Humidity, Solar
Radiation, High Temperature, Low Temperature, etc.
[0031] As also shown, system 100 includes a module 134, which as
shown, may take the form of a modular expansion pack supported by
the housing and communicably couplable to the processor 106. In
particular embodiments, the expansion pack 134 houses a
survey-grade GPS receiver 136, e.g., configured for positioning
accuracy within a margin of error of 3 cm or less. Optionally, the
GPS module includes a multiple protocol/frequency receiver, e.g.,
to operate with either the U.S. GPS system, or substantially any
other positioning system such as the aforementioned GLONASS Russian
system, or other terrestrial geolocation systems. A GPS antenna
port 138 may also be supported by the housing and communicably
couplable to the GPS module, for connection to a conventional
external GPS antenna (not shown). The various embodiments of the
data collector 102 as described herein are thus configured to
capture engineering survey data including position data generated
by the GPS module.
[0032] In particular embodiments, the expansion pack 134 is
configured for being selectively fastened to housing 102 when
desired, and then removed from the housing 102 when not in use.
However, it should be recognized that pack 134 may be fabricated as
an integral, non-removable portion of the housing 104. As will be
discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, the expansion pack 134 may
be provided with a range of additional features, to enable the data
collector 102 to be customized for individual users. For example,
in some embodiments, the module 134 may be provided with a cellular
transceiver 140, such as to provide the data collector 102 with
Internet connectivity and/or wireless voice communication. In
addition, or as an alternative, module 134 may be provided with a
point-to-point audio transceiver 142, such as a spread spectrum
audio transceiver to permit wireless radio communication in areas
not covered by cellular networks. The system 100 may be provided
with any number of additional features common to conventional
survey equipment, such as a tripod hook, wrist strap, battery
charger, etc. (not shown).
[0033] Embodiments shown and described herein thus provide a
self-contained, hand-held, wireless engineering survey data
collection system 100, which includes a removable, modular,
expansion pack, for quick modification, in a plug-and-play manner
to add or subtract functionality as needed for different
applications. This approach provides a unique combination of GPS,
computer, software, and multiple channel communication, in a
hand-held form factor, while providing substantially the same GPS
performance accuracy as other larger scale single-function
survey-grade GPS receivers.
[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the data collector 102 may include
a PDA or other handheld computer, modified in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention. This computer may run the
Windows CE.TM. or Windows Mobile.TM. operating systems (Microsoft
Corporation, Redmond, Wash.), or substantially any other suitable
operating system such as the Palm OS (Palm, Inc., Sunnyvale,
Calif.), or Android (Google, Inc.) operating system, etc.
[0035] Particular embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1B, include a
ruggedized hand-held computer known as the Carlson Explorer 600+,
commercially available from Carlson Software, Inc., which is
configured to receive a modular expansion pack 134 including a GPS
module, e.g., plugged into the back thereof, along with a
relatively lightweight GPS antenna. The modular expansion pack may
also include a radio module, such as a cellular telephone module as
discussed above, to provide an internet link to GPS base stations
and/or to office locations for data backup and transfer, all in a
single, hand-held enclosure.
[0036] Thus, particular exemplary embodiments of the present
invention provide a compact, high accuracy (to 3 cm or less), GPS
enabled hand held computer that is linkable to the internet, for
land surveying and construction positioning applications.
[0037] These embodiments may thus provide:
[0038] 1. Removable, modular expansion pack.
[0039] 2. Dual frequency GPS with positioning accuracy to within 3
cm.
[0040] 3. Internet connection based on internal GSM/GPRS.
[0041] 4. Internet GPS base station connection authentication via
TCP Relay.
[0042] 5. Radio for point-to-point communication.
[0043] It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that
the present invention may be practiced without these specific
details.
[0044] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, two different exemplary
modular expansion pack modules for the handheld data collector 102
are shown: a larger size module shown at 134' in FIG. 2, and a
smaller module shown as 134'' in FIG. 3. One will recognize that a
primary difference between the larger and smaller packs is the
interior space available for various components. As shown, the
expansion packs have been configured to permit the installation of
a variety of different electronics modules. For example, the large
expansion pack 134' is large enough to fit a survey-grade GPS
receiver 136 (e.g., a Septentrio or Novatel GPS receiver board) in
addition to cellular and radio modules 140, 142, while the smaller
pack 134'' may be configured to contain any two of the modules 136,
140, 142, such as a GPS receiver 136 and either a cellular or radio
module 140, 142. Any desired combination of these modules may be
provided, including, if desired, the use of both a cellular and
radio module 140, 142 without the GPS receiver 136.
[0045] For example, referring specifically to FIG. 2, the large
expansion pack 134' may be fitted with a GPS receiver 136 and a
cell modem 140, with GPS receiver 136 and a radio module 142, or
with all three components 136, 140, and 142 as shown.
[0046] Additional components of pack 134' may include a base 146,
e.g., fabricated from a suitable plastic or metallic material, a
printed circuit board assembly 148, e.g., having circuitry
communicably couple the modules 136, 140, 142 to one another and to
the data collector 102 (FIG. 1). Other components may include a
cover 150, e.g., plastic or metallic, one or more gasket(s) 152 to
form a weather-tight seal between the base 146 and cover 150, and
various mounting/connecting hardware such as shown at 154.
[0047] As shown, the cell modem 140 may be supported by the printed
circuit board 148, while the GPS receiver 136 and radio 142 may be
supported by a carrier board 156. The carrier board may include
electronic circuitry to power one or more of the modules (e.g., to
convert the 5 volt power supplied by circuit board 148 to the 3.3
volts required by particular examples of the GPS and radio modules
136, 142) and to control power up and/or sleep mode states. Pack
124' may also include an internally mounted antenna (not shown) for
any of the modules, e.g., the cell and radio modules 140, 142,
and/or antenna connectors for externally mounted antennae (e.g.,
for GPS module 136).
[0048] It is also noted that in particular embodiments, as
mentioned above, GPS board 136 may include a multi-frequency
device, having the capability to use other systems such as the
GLONASS system or terrestrial systems, etc., in addition to the
aforementioned GPS system. It should also be recognized that
cellular module 140 may be configured to operate on substantially
any cellular protocols, such as both GSM and CDMA, etc.
[0049] Turning now to FIG. 3, the small expansion pack 134'' is
substantially similar to the large expansion pack, but may be
sized, shaped and otherwise configured to include any two of the
three modules 136, 140, 142. In the particular embodiment shown,
radio module 142 includes any of at least three different radio
modules, e.g., those commercially available from Maxstream, Futaba,
or Cirronet. Pack 134'' also includes a cell module 140 as shown.
If desired, either of these modules 140, 142 may be replaced with a
GPS module 136 (FIG. 2).
[0050] Additional components may be as shown and described
hereinabove with respect to pack 134', including base 146', printed
circuit board assembly 148', gasket(s) 152', cover 150', and
various mounting hardware 154'.
[0051] In addition to the aspects discussed hereinabove,
embodiments of the present invention may include various additional
features such as additional serial ports, USB ports, 12 Volt DC
input port, camera, and wireless networking modules (e.g.,
Bluetooth and/or 802.11x). It is also anticipated that the
expansion packs may be modular, and installed and removed by
end-users, e.g., using a common tool such as a coin or screwdriver,
using quarter-turn screws or the like. A conventional snap-in mount
may also be used.
[0052] Non-limiting examples of Radio Modems, GPS Boards, and
Cellular Modems that may be used in embodiments of the invention
are shown in the following Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Radios Maxstream 9XTend 900 mHz Spread
Spectrum Radio (MMCX), Maxstream 24XStream 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum
Radio (MMCX), Maxstream Xbee-Pro 2.4 Ghz Zig Bee Module, Cirronet
Wit2410 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum Module, Cirronet Wit2450 2.4 GHz
Spread Spectrum Module, Cirronet Wit2411 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum
Module, Satel 3as ~460-480 mHz range. GPS Boards Novatel
(www.novatel.com) OEMV-2 L1, L2 GPS, Novatel OEMV-3 72 channel GPS.
Cellular Modems Sierra Wireless (www.sierrawireless.com) MC8775
Cellular Modem Siemens https://pia.khe.siemens.com/index14625.htm
HC15, HC25 HDSPA Cellular Modem Novatel Wireless Expedite Cellular
Modems Enfora (www.enfora.com) Enabler IIIG Quad band GSM/GPRS
cellular modem Wavecom Embedded.net (www.embedded.net)
[0053] A method of fabricating a self-contained, hand-held,
wireless engineering survey data collection system will now be
described as illustrated by the flow chart of FIG. 4. As shown, the
method 400 commences with providing 410 a survey data collector
substantially as shown and described hereinabove with respect to
FIGS. 1B-3. At 412, a survey-grade GPS module is supported with the
housing and configured to be communicably coupled to the processor,
the GPS module being configured for positioning accuracy within a
margin of error of 3 cm. At 414, a GPS antenna port is supported
with the housing and configured to be communicably couplable to the
GPS module. At 416, the survey data collector is configured to
capture engineering survey data including position data generated
by the GPS module.
[0054] In summary, it will be appreciated that the above described
embodiments provide a convenient vehicle for capturing engineering
survey/position data, including precision position data in
real-time, using a convenient hand-held, wireless device capable of
multiple means of wireless connectivity.
[0055] FIG. 16 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine
such as usable in system 100, in the exemplary form of a computer
system 300 within which a set of instructions for causing the
machine to perform any one of the methodologies discussed above,
may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine may
include a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
web appliance or any machine configured in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention, and capable of executing a
sequence of instructions that specify actions to be taken by that
machine.
[0056] The computer system 300 includes a processor 302, a main
memory 304 and a static memory 306, which communicate with each
other via a bus 308. The computer system 300 may further include a
video display unit 310 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD),
plasma, cathode ray tube (CRT), etc.). The computer system 300 may
also include an alpha-numeric input device 312 (e.g., a keyboard or
touchscreen), a cursor control device 314 (e.g., a mouse), a drive
(e.g., disk, flash memory, etc.,) unit 316, a signal generation
device 320 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device
322.
[0057] The drive unit 316 includes a computer-readable medium 324
on which is stored a set of instructions (i.e., software) 326
embodying any one, or all, of the methodologies described above.
The software 326 is also shown to reside, completely or at least
partially, within the main memory 304 and/or within the processor
302. The software 326 may further be transmitted or received via
the network interface device 322. For the purposes of this
specification, the term "computer-readable medium" shall be taken
to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a
sequence of instructions for execution by the computer and that
cause the computer to perform any one of the methodologies of the
present invention. The term "computer-readable medium" shall
accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state
memories, optical and magnetic disks, and carrier wave signals.
[0058] Thus, a method and apparatus in accordance with the present
invention have been described. Although the present invention has
been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it
will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made
to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings
are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive
sense.
[0059] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention include a
computer program code-based product, which includes a computer
readable storage medium having program code stored therein which
can be used to instruct a computer to perform any of the functions,
methods and/or modules associated with the present invention. The
computer storage medium includes any of, but not limited to, the
following: CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic tape, optical disc, hard drive,
floppy disk, ferroelectric memory, flash memory, ferromagnetic
memory, optical storage, charge coupled devices, magnetic or
optical cards, smart cards, EEPROM, EPROM, RAM, ROM, DRAM, SRAM,
SDRAM, and/or any other appropriate static or dynamic
non-transitory memory or data storage devices.
[0060] It should be noted that the various modules and other
components of the embodiments discussed hereinabove may be
configured as hardware, as computer readable code stored in any
suitable computer usable medium, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory,
phase-change memory, magnetic disks, etc., and/or as combinations
thereof, without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0061] It should be further understood that any of the features
described with respect to one of the embodiments described herein
may be similarly applied to any of the other embodiments described
herein without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0062] In the preceding specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments for the
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this
disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims
appended hereto.
[0063] The above systems are implemented in various computing
environments. For example, particular embodiments or portions
thereof may be implemented on a conventional IBM PC or equivalent,
multi-nodal system (e.g., LAN) or networking system (e.g.,
Internet, WWW, wireless web). All programming and data related
thereto are stored in computer memory, static or dynamic or
non-volatile, and may be retrieved by the user in any of:
conventional computer storage, display (e.g., CRT, flat panel LCD,
plasma, etc.) and/or hardcopy (i.e., printed) formats. The
programming of the present invention may be implemented by one
skilled in the art of computer systems and/or software design.
* * * * *
References